18 Summer TV Shows You Need to Watch

New arrivals (and returning favorites)

Perfect world: You spend every summer weekend at the beach. In reality, you also spend a lot of 90-degree weekends in the AC sitting on your couch. For those moments, here are 18 TV shows that are totally worth DVR’ing.

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AMC

“FEED THE BEAST”

No signs of Ross Geller here. This drama follows Tommy (David Schwimmer) and Dion (Jim Sturgess), two always-in-trouble friends with a pipe dream of opening an upscale restaurant in the Bronx. Spoiler alert: With mobsters and corrupt officials in the mix, it’s easier said than done.

“CASUAL”

This hilarious--and heartfelt--series from Jason Reitman (the guy behind Up in the Air and Juno) about a bachelor brother and his just-divorced sister living under the same roof again is back for season two. All hail family dysfunction.

Hulu; set to stream beginning June 7

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AMC

“THE AMERICAN WEST”

OK, so this one’s actually a miniseries, but it follows the lives of some of the most famous players in the wild, wild west. (Think Wyatt Earp, Jesse James and Billy the Kid.) Oh yeah, it’s also produced by some guy named Robert Redford.

Saturdays at 10 p.m. ET on AMC; premieres June 11

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Freeform

“GUILT”

This destined-to-be-super-addictive soapy drama (co-starring Billy Zane) is about an American student living in London who gets accused of her roommate’s murder. Ripped straight from the headlines? Yeah, we’d say so.

“BRAINDEAD”

This political thriller about a brain-eating bug wreaking havoc on Capitol Hill sounds silly, but it’s created by the folks behind The Good Wife (RIP), so we’re willing to give it a shot. It also stars some TV heavyweights--Tony Shalhoub, Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Aaron Tveit, to name a few.

Mondays at 10 p.m. ET on CBS; premieres June 13

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ABC

“UNCLE BUCK”

Remember the slapstick-y 1989 John Candy movie about a slacker uncle who swoops in to babysit his brother’s kids/give relationship advice/save the day? This is it in sitcom form (starring Mike Epps and Nia Long).

Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on ABC; premieres June 14

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Netflix

“ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK”

Get ready to return to Litchfield. Season four picks up right where we last left off--with Alex (Laura Prepon) fighting for her life and the rest of the supposed-to-be-in-prison ladies splashing around in a nearby lake.

Netflix; set to stream beginning June 17

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Bravo

“ODD MOM OUT”

It’s tough not to laugh out loud watching author-turned-actress Jill Kargman navigate the momzilla scene on New York City’s Upper East Side. In season two, her jokes take on Bill Cosby, a movement she’s coined She-donism and a little-known Broadway sensation called Hamilton. Yassss.

“GREENLEAF”

This Oprah Winfrey-produced drama about a family that runs a Memphis mega-church is getting lots of buzz. Hey, if Oprah’s behind it, we’re behind it. (She also stars.)

Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET on OWN; premieres June 21

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CBS

“AMERICAN GOTHIC”

A prominent Boston family is tied to a string of murders spanning decades in this Steven Spielberg-produced drama starring Juliet Rylance, Justin Chatwin and Virginia Madsen. The plot thickens as they try to redefine their image. Dun dun dun.

Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET on CBS; premieres June 22

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“ROADIES”

If you loved Almost Famous, you’ll probably love Cameron Crowe’s new show--starring Luke Wilson and Carla Gugino--about the backstage lives of the crew behind a popular rock band. (Fingers crossed it comes with a soundtrack.)

Sundays at 10 p.m. ET on Showtime; premieres June 26

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HBO

“THE NIGHT OF”

This miniseries follows John Turturro as he tracks a fictitious murder in New York City that quickly spirals into a deeper examination of the corruption in the criminal justice systems and Rikers Island prison, where the accused await their fate. Heavy.

Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO; premieres July 10

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USA

“MR. ROBOT”

Last year, this show about an antisocial hacker (working in cyber-security by day and with vigilante hackers by night) took home the Golden Globe for best new TV drama. Now, just in time for summer, season two.

Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET on USA; premieres July 13

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Netflix

“STRANGER THINGS”

She’s baaaack. Yep, Winona Ryder graces us with her presence on the small screen yet again. (Remember Show Me a Hero?) This time, she’s a mother whose child disappears without a trace. Naturally, she has to confront evil forces to get him back.

Netflix; set to stream beginning July 15

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HBO

“BALLERS”

Set your DVR for season two of this comedy about a former NFL player turned manager living the high life while he tries to keep the pro athletes he manages on the up and up.

Sundays at 10 p.m. ET on HBO; premieres July 17

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HBO

“VICE PRINCIPALS”

Danny McBride and Walton Goggins seem like the ultimate comedic dream team for this show about a couple of vice principals vying for the head honcho role after the principal of their South Carolina school announces he’s retiring. Hilarious grade school antics undoubtedly ensue.

“SHOOTER”

Ryan Phillippe stars in the small screen adaptation of the 2007 Mark Wahlberg film about a sniper living in exile who returns to his work after a plot to kill the president is discovered. Alright, we’ll give anything that Reese’s adorable ex is a part of a shot.

Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET on USA; premieres July 19

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Netflix

“THE GET DOWN”

Last, but definitely not least, this Baz Luhrmann musical series is set to give you all the feels. It’s about a group of kids navigating life--and totally groovy tunes--in the 1970s. Pssst…the trailer is amaze.